Filmmakers, storytellers, and members of the New York City community will gather on May 9th, 11th and 12th to attend the City University of New York (CUNY) Film Festival – the largest and longest-running student-produced film festival of its kind. It was established in 2009 by a group of Macaulay Honors College students to provide a forum for the CUNY filmmaking community: celebrate the diversity of its artistic voices, highlight its creative contributions to filmmaking, and encourage professional connections.
This year, the film festival is hosting a unique LGBTQ Exhibition paying tribute to queer representation in CUNY filmmaking. The LGBTQ Exhibition will boast impressive offerings including special screenings, such as Vito Russo’s The Celluloid Closet, a performance of “The Drag Story Hour” with Harmonica Sunbeam, and the presentation of the CUNY Film Festival’s LGBTQ Image Award.
By showcasing LGBTQ-focused films, the CUNY Film Festival gives its visitors an incredible opportunity to use the past, present and future of storytelling as a means of viewing and understanding queer history. Director of the Macaulay New Media Lab Robert Small says, for young people, “knowing your history is critical to the future of your community.” He believes, it is imperative that people “Learn what others have done in the LGBTQIA+ community to help clear a path for you and advocate for others to do so going forward.” Previously, Ross Murray, Senior Director of the GLAAD Media Institute sat for an interview with Robert Small to talk about LGBTQ history and GLAAD’s advocacy work.
Since its initial grassroots origins, the CUNY Film Festival has grown to attract more entries, events, and visitors than ever before. The festival is free and open to the public; so, whether you are a cinephile, member of the LGBTQ community, or simply interested in a new experience, we encourage you to attend. All events and activities will take place on May 9th, 11th and 12th at the Macaulay Honors College (35 West 67th Street, New York, NY 10023).
For those interested in attending or learning more about the 2024 CUNY Film Festival please visit: www.thecunyfilmfestival.com
Thursday, May 9
3:15PM – The Celluloid Closet
6:00PM – Paris is Burning
Saturday, May 11
10:00AM – 6:00PM – LGBTQ Exhibition
12:00PM – 6:00PM – CUNY Film Festival finalist award screenings
2:00PM – Drag Queen Story Hour with Harmonica Sunbeam
3:15PM – Milk
6:00PM – Codependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same (Followed by Q&A with Director Madeleine Olnek)
Sunday, May 12 (Mother’s Day)
10:00AM – 6:00PM – LGBTQ Exhibition
10:00AM – 4:00PM – CUNY Film Festival finalist award screenings
6:00PM – CUNY Film Festival Awards Ceremony